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iHeartMedia Signs Multi-Platform Agreement With TNA Wrestling

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iHeartMedia Signs Multi-Platform Agreement With TNA Wrestling

TNA Wrestling has formed a new partnership with iHeartMedia designed to connect the promotion’s live events and television programming with the company’s extensive national audio platform, creating additional exposure for the wrestling brand across radio, digital media and live fan experiences throughout 2026.

Under the agreement, iHeartMedia will take on a prominent role across TNA’s premium live event calendar, weekly television broadcasts and digital properties while also promoting the brand through its network of radio stations, podcasts and streaming outlets nationwide.

The companies said the collaboration will combine broadcast integration, event sponsorship and audience engagement initiatives that extend beyond the ring.

One of the centerpiece elements of the partnership involves iHeartMedia becoming the presenting sponsor of the pre-show for all remaining 2026 premium live events, giving the company consistent brand visibility tied to TNA’s biggest shows. In addition to sponsorship graphics appearing on broadcast presentations, the agreement includes in-arena announcements and marketing integrations tied directly to major events throughout the year.

The company will also sponsor the TNA Dream Seats program, a front-row premium seating experience offered at live events that places fans close to the ring while incorporating branded elements tied to the sponsor.

According to the companies, the program will feature integrated ticketing promotions, in-arena recognition and exclusive fan engagement opportunities tied to select shows.

Meanwhile, the partnership extends directly into TNA’s weekly television programming. On TNA iMPACT!, which airs Thursday nights on AMC Networks platforms and streams on AMC+, iHeartMedia will sponsor the LED walkout ramp used during wrestler entrances, one of the most recognizable visual features of TNA’s live broadcasts and arena presentations.

“We are excited to welcome iHeartMedia as a national partner for TNA Wrestling,” said Carlos Silva, President of TNA Wrestling. “Their ability to connect with audiences across radio, podcasts and digital platforms makes them an ideal partner as we continue to expand our reach and bring the energy of TNA to fans across the country.”

Additional marketing components include guardrail branding and commercial inventory inside venues during live events, along with digital integrations across TNA’s official website and streaming services. The companies also plan to collaborate on social media storytelling and promotional campaigns designed to highlight key matches, athletes and major moments throughout the year.

Beyond branding and media integrations, the partnership includes hospitality and VIP experiences connected to select events, offering sponsors and fans opportunities to participate in premium activations tied to TNA’s event calendar.

“We’re thrilled to partner with TNA Wrestling and help bring the excitement of the brand to listeners nationwide,” said Michael Biondo, President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships. “Through the power of iHeartMedia’s audio platforms and personalities, we look forward to connecting fans with TNA’s athletes, events and stories in new and engaging ways.”

The partnership is scheduled to debut April 11 during the promotion’s TNA Rebellion pay-per-view event at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, with additional activations planned throughout the year, including the annual Slammiversary event this summer.

Select shows may also feature appearances by iHeartRadio personalities and musical guests, providing fans in attendance with additional entertainment elements tied to the live event experience.

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FOX Sports Reunites Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen for Fanatics Flag Football Classic

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FOX Sports Reunites Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen for Fanatics Flag Football Classic

FOX Sports is adding another high-profile event to its spring lineup, announcing that lead NFL play-by-play voice Kevin Burkhardt and analyst Greg Olsen will handle the broadcast duties for the inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic on Saturday, March 21.

The event will air from 4–8:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports platforms including Fox Broadcasting Company, FOX One and Tubi, with international streaming available on the Fanatics YouTube channel.

While Burkhardt and Olsen handle the game coverage, the broadcast will feature a comedic element as actor and comedian Kevin Hart serves as host alongside comedian and internet personality Druski.

FOX positioned the showcase as a unique blend of entertainment and competition, bringing together current NFL players, retired stars and elite international flag football athletes for a format designed to highlight the sport’s growing global profile.

The event will originate from BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, a venue already slated to host flag football competition during the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Burkhardt enters the broadcast with one of the most recognizable voices in sports television. As FOX’s lead NFL play-by-play announcer, he has called the network’s top weekly matchups while also serving as the voice of multiple postseason broadcasts. His resume includes four NFC Championship Games along with Super Bowl coverage, including Super Bowl LVII and Super Bowl LIX.

Olsen, a three-time Pro Bowl tight end and two-time Sports Emmy winner, worked alongside Burkhardt during one of those championship broadcasts. Their reunion for the Fanatics event provides a familiar broadcast pairing while introducing the sport to a potentially wider television audience.

The competition itself will feature three teams of 12 players competing in a flag football format designed to mix traditional football stars with some of the sport’s best specialized athletes. Two teams will include current and former NFL players alongside other elite competitors, while the third will represent the reigning champions from USA Football.

The Founders FFC roster will be captained by Tom Brady and Jalen Hurts, with coaching responsibilities handled by Sean Payton. Meanwhile, Wildcats FFC will feature captains Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow, coached by Kyle Shanahan.

The U.S. Men’s National Team lineup will be captained by Aamir Brown and Darrell Doucette, with coaching duties handled by Jorge Cascudo.

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Jason Goff Announces Upcoming End Of ‘The Full Go’ Podcast On The Ringer

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Jason Goff Announces Upcoming End Of ‘The Full Go’ Podcast On The Ringer

Jason Goff is bringing his run with The Ringer to a close. The Chicago-based host revealed Monday that The Full Go Podcast will soon wrap up after more than four years and more than 600 episodes on the platform, marking the end of a run that helped elevate his national profile while allowing him to deliver commentary rooted deeply in the voice and perspective of Chicago sports culture.

Goff shared the news directly with listeners and followers on social media, explaining that only a handful of remaining episodes will be released before the show officially concludes its run.

His message struck a tone of gratitude and reflection, as he looked back on the people and opportunities that helped shape the podcast during its tenure.

“We’ve got a few more episodes of The Full Go Podcast left,” tweeted Goff. “Want to thank everyone who’s been a part of this 600+ show ride. Thanks to Bill Simmons, The Ringer, and Spotify for this great opportunity to see exactly what was possible.”

Throughout its run, The Full Go Podcast served as one of The Ringer’s Chicago-focused voices. Goff regularly dissected storylines involving the Bears, Bulls, White Sox, Cubs, and Blackhawks. He also discussed broader themes across sports and culture.

The program often blended sharp analysis with personality-driven segments. Those moments highlighted Goff’s conversational delivery. That style has long defined his presence across multiple forms of sports media.

In his message, Goff thanked the producers who helped shape the show over several years. He recognized Steve Ceruti, Chris Tannehill, Christopher Sutton, Stefan Anderson, Tony Gill, Jessie Lopez, and Kyle Williams. Goff credited their behind-the-scenes work as vital to the show’s identity and longevity.

Goff’s podcast run with The Ringer followed a lengthy career in sports media that has included work across radio, television and national platforms. Chicago listeners became familiar with his voice through years in local sports talk radio, where his perspective on the city’s teams and culture helped him build a loyal following that later carried into the podcasting space.

For now, Goff plans to finish the podcast the same way it started — speaking directly to the audience that supported the show from its earliest episodes through its final stretch.

“We did it in our voice and stayed sucka free,” wrote Goff. “Thanks to each and every person who downloaded and subscribed. Time for what’s next. Gonna need that same energy. From terrestrial, to national, to satellite, to television…you’ve gone on this ride with me and I’m truly appreciative. Keep the same energy as we take the next step. Peace.”

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Mark Levin: I Didn’t Ask President Donald Trump to Defend Me in Feud with Megyn Kelly and Tucker Carlson

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Mark Levin: I Didn’t Ask President Donald Trump to Defend Me in Feud with Megyn Kelly and Tucker Carlson

President Donald Trump spoke glowingly of Mark Levin over the weekend. Levin said it wasn’t something he asked for.

Mark Levin has been feuding with Megyn Kelly and Tucker Carlson in recent months. The feud with Kelly reignited over the weekend, with the two trading lewd remarks.

Following those remarks, President Trump took to Truth Social to share his support of Levin.

“Mark Levin, a truly Great American Patriot, is somewhat under siege by other people with far less Intellect, Capability, and Love for our Country,” Trump wrote. “Mark is Tough, Strong, and Brilliant, hence the nickname, ‘THE GREAT ONE,’ conceived by our MAGA friend, the wonderful Sean Hannity, after years of dealing with Mark in Legal, Media, and other capacities … He is a true Conservative, and Intellect, far smarter than those who criticize him but, above all, he is a man of Great Wisdom and Common Sense who truly loves our Country.

“When you hear others unfairly attack Mark, remember that they are jealous and angry Human Beings, whose ‘sway’ is much less than the Public understands, and will, now that they know where I stand, rapidly diminish. Other than for his wonderful wife and family, Mark Levin only cares and wants one thing, GREATNESS AND SUCCESS FOR AMERICA! Those that speak ill of Mark will quickly fall by the wayside, as do the people whose ideas, policies, and footings are not sound.”

Megyn Kelly accused Mark Levin of “begging” the President for “a pat on the head” amidst their feud. Levin has denied that he asked for anything from Trump.

“No, I did not speak to the president about releasing any statement,” he said in a post on social media. “These reprobates have nothing but lies and conspiracies and hate. And the more they talk and post, the more people have had enough of them. They will eventually dry up and blow away, like those who’ve come before them.”

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Bruce Pearl Responds to Critics: I’m Still a Rookie at This “Analyst Thing”

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Bruce Pearl Responds to Critics: I’m Still a Rookie at This “Analyst Thing”

Former Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl is learning that life in television can be very different from life on the sideline. After drawing criticism for his comments during CBS’s Selection Sunday coverage of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, Pearl addressed the backlash during an appearance Monday on The Dan Patrick Show, acknowledging that his transition from coaching to broadcasting has come with a steep learning curve.

Pearl, who spent more than a decade leading the Auburn basketball program before joining CBS Sports and TNT Sports as a studio analyst this season, explained that evaluating his performance on television has proven far less straightforward than judging results in basketball.

“This analyst thing and being in the media is brand new,” Pearl said. “So I am a rookie, even though I’m 66 years old now. Sometimes you don’t know how you’re doing. When I used to play or used to coach, it was scoreboard. I get off [tv], and I don’t know how I did. I imagine some people think I’m entertaining, and some people think I’m an idiot, but you never know whether you’re winning or losing.”

Pearl’s commentary Sunday night sparked widespread reaction across social media and within college basketball circles after he questioned the tournament selection process while discussing Auburn’s resume and the debate surrounding the final at-large bids in the bracket.

Pearl spent the previous 11 seasons coaching Auburn. His son, Steven Pearl, led the Tigers to a 17-16 record and the wrong side of the bubble in his debut season as the program’s head coach.

The former coach, however, suggested that offering direct opinions remains the central responsibility of a studio analyst, particularly during a show designed to dissect the selection committee’s decisions in real time.

“My job is to tell you what I think based on my years of experience,” Pearl said. “I’ve never been politically correct, so I really don’t worry about that stuff. What I did learn is sometimes when you do give your opinion about something, it can be taken out of context, or you’ve been taken to task. I really don’t mind either one of them.”

The discussion intensified after Pearl framed the tournament debate around a question that frequently divides analysts and administrators alike: whether the bracket should prioritize the most accomplished teams or simply the most deserving based on their season-long results.

“Right now, I’m the ugly stepmother, because I asked the question are we looking for the 37 best teams or the 37 most deserving teams when it came to the at-large,” Pearl said. “That way I became enemy number one again.”

The reaction illustrated how emotionally charged the selection process can become every March, especially when analysts openly challenge the committee’s decisions during the nationally televised reveal of the bracket.

Despite the criticism, Pearl appears comfortable embracing the role of opinionated voice within tournament coverage. As CBS and TNT continue their joint broadcast of March Madness, the outspoken former coach will remain part of the network’s studio team analyzing games and debating the results of a tournament that rarely unfolds without controversy.

Senator Calls for FCC Chair Brendan Carr to Resign Following License Threats

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Senator Calls for FCC Chair Brendan Carr to Resign Following License Threats

Reactions continue to pour in following FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatening the broadcast licenses of outlets that report what he labeled as fake news.

Following a visit to President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, Carr tweeted a warning to broadcasters.

“Broadcasters that are running hoaxes and news distortions – also known as the fake news – have a chance now to correct course before their license renewals come up,” Carr wrote. “The law is clear. Broadcasters must operate in the public interest, and they will lose their licenses if they do not.”

In a letter sent to Brendan Carr, Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) shared his displeasure with the conduct of the FCC Chair.

“You are effectively demanding that broadcasters become state media and echo the Trump administration’s false talking points on this reckless, unconstitutional war,” wrote Markey. “This threat is just your latest authoritarian attempt to weaponize the FCC’s statutory authority to censor the media. It is a stain on the FCC’s storied history, and you should resign.”

Markey pointed to other instances, like an FCC investigation into Audacy’s KCBS in San Francisco for sharing reporting about immigration enforcement activity in the area, and his threats against ABC and Disney after Jimmy Kimmel’s comments following the assassination of Charlie Kirk in September as other activities that have been unbecoming of someone of Brendan Carr’s stature.

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81% of Americans Listen to Online Audio Monthly, Edison Research’s Infinite Dial Data Shows

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81% of Americans Listen to Online Audio Monthly, Edison Research’s Infinite Dial Data Shows

Edison Research has released new data from its Infinite Dial study, and it shows how prevalent streaming and online audio listening have become.

According to the data, 81% of respondents said they had listened to online audio in the past month. That figure rose from 79% in 2025. It also marked an increase in the past decade from 57% in 2016.

Edison Research defined online audio as AM/FM radio stations streaming content online or streamed audio content only made available on the internet.

Surprisingly, that uptick in listenership to online audio does not come from the younger demographic

Data from Edison Research shows that those aged 55+ helped drive the overall percentage increase in the level of online audio listenership. In 2024, only 52% of adults aged 55+ reported listening to online audio in the past month. In 2026, that figure has risen to 70%.

“55-plus has been radio’s core audience for a while,” said Podnews Editor James Cridland, who helped lead the Infinite Dial webinar. “They’re the people who listen longest and most often, but every year a new set of people move into the 55-plus age group.

“Your core audience is more comfortable with technology than it’s ever been before. You can see that as a threat or you can see that as an opportunity … People already trust your station. Radio is incredibly well-trusted. But your opportunity is to provide a human connection and a shared experience across all of the platforms that your audience uses.”

87% of those between the ages of 35-54 were monthly online audio users. That figure remained steady from 2025 and only grew two percentage points since 2024.

Those aged 12-34 actually reported a 2% decline in streaming audio usage, from 90% in both 2024 and 2025 to 88% in 2026.

Furthermore, 45% of Americans aged 12+ have consumed a podcast in the past week. That set a new all-time high for podcast consumption in the Infinite Dial study. Additionally, 58% of respondents said they had listened to a podcast in the past month, also reaching an all-time record.

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Chris Cuomo: Where’s the Proof the CIA Has Been Watching Tucker Carlson?

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Chris Cuomo: Where’s the Proof the CIA Has Been Watching Tucker Carlson?

Over the weekend, Tucker Carlson shared that the CIA has been preparing a criminal referral against him. NewsNation host Chris Cuomo would like to see some proof.

In a short video published on social media, Carlson argued that the organization has been reading his text messages to people in Iran and is preparing to charge him with a crime, alleging he violated the Foreign Agents Registration Act.

“They read my texts,” said Carlson. “So, the crime under consideration apparently would be the Foreign Agent Act or something like that, acting as an agent of a foreign power.”

He added that he doesn’t believe the referral will actually lead to charges. He also said he hadn’t broken the law and didn’t have much to worry about.

On social media, Chris Cuomo cast doubt on the statements from Carlson.

In one post, the NewsNation host noted that Tucker Carlson’s video detailing the situation had garnered 24 million views. “Any proof? Seems not to matter.”

In subsequent messages, Chris Cuomo told one commenter, “We have no idea if it happened. This is all about clicks.”

He later said, “What proof is there (that the goverment) is reading texts? Start there.”

A report from Axios White House correspondent Marc Caputo said members of the Trump administration had labeled the comments from Tucker Carlson as “bull(expletive).”

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Dan “Big Cat” Katz: “I’m So Sick of Ken Rosenthal” on FOX Sports

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Dan “Big Cat” Katz: “I’m So Sick of Ken Rosenthal” on FOX Sports

Barstool Sports personality Dan “Big Cat” Katz did not mince words when discussing Ken Rosenthal during Monday’s episode of the Pardon My Take, delivering a blunt critique of the veteran reporter’s role on World Baseball Classic broadcasts airing on FOX Sports.

During the show, Katz voiced frustration with Rosenthal’s presence on the tournament coverage while referencing lingering irritation tied to an incident involving the Milwaukee Brewers last season, a situation that appeared to shape his opinion of the longtime baseball insider.

“Ken Rosenthal, get the f**k out of here, dude,” Katz said during the conversation. “I’m so sick of this guy. Ever since that Brewers thing last year, he’s such a loser. Get him out. I don’t want him anywhere near me anymore.”

Rosenthal was at the center for a viral mishap last summer where he knocked over a photographer in an attempt to dodge a postgame Gatorade celebration. Following the viral moment, Rosenthal apologized for the ordeal.

“I felt awful about what happened. And afterward, I went up to Scott [Paulus], who I’ve worked with in pits before over the years, and I apologized,” said Rosenthal last year. “I apologized profusely because let’s face it, I don’t think you ever expect knocking someone down is going to happen in any particular situation.”

The moment was never forgotten by Katz. He continued his criticism moments later while discussing Rosenthal’s on-air personality. Katz also referenced Rosenthal’s reaction to the situation. He suggested the episode left a lasting impression on him. It also shaped how he now views the reporter’s presence on national broadcasts.

“I’m so sick of Ken Rosenthal,” Katz added. “That should have been like a career ender the way he reacted. He’s just a jerk. I’m all for second chances, but you could tell he’s just a jerk.”

Rosenthal, who has spent decades covering baseball across multiple national outlets, serves as one of the prominent reporters on FOX’s coverage of the World Baseball Classic. The tournament, which brings together many of the sport’s top international stars and major league talent, has become a centerpiece of this year’s early spring baseball programming.

Although Katz’s remarks were pointed, the discussion unfolded within the comedic and conversational style typical of the podcast, where hosts frequently deliver exaggerated opinions about sports figures, teams and media personalities.

Rosenthal has not publicly responded to the comments.

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Dan Le Batard: ‘Inside the NBA’ Is “Super Negative”

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Dan Le Batard: ‘Inside the NBA’ Is “Super Negative”

Sports media personality Dan Le Batard offered a pointed critique of Inside the NBA during Monday’s episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, arguing that the long-running studio program often frames professional basketball in a way that does not reflect positively on the league.

While discussing the show’s transition to ESPN as part of the NBA’s upcoming media-rights cycle, Le Batard suggested that the tone used by the show’s analysts increasingly focuses on criticism rather than appreciation for the modern game. According to Le Batard, the program once carried a more celebratory tone toward the sport, while recent discussions tend to highlight frustration with how today’s NBA looks compared to previous eras.

“This is super negative,” said Le Batard. “What they have been doing for a while, as they’ve aged, has been negative. It’s not a celebration of sports. They have fun, but they don’t love what they’re watching the way that they used to.”

He argued that the commentary sometimes reflects a disconnect between former players and the style of basketball currently played across the league, which in turn can shape how audiences perceive the sport.

Two of the program’s most prominent analysts, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal, became a focal point of Le Batard’s comments as he examined how their playing backgrounds influence their critiques of the modern NBA. Both Hall of Fame big men built their reputations dominating opponents near the basket, a style that contrasts sharply with today’s perimeter-oriented offenses built around spacing, pace and three-point shooting.

“Two of the experts you have loved playing in the post. They were better playing in the post than most human beings are in the post,” said Le Batard. “They’re watching a distorted version of basketball. They don’t like what they’re watching. It’s not what made them great.”

Le Batard suggested that this stylistic shift contributes to the skepticism expressed on the show, because the current game differs so dramatically from the environment in which Barkley and O’Neal thrived during their playing careers.

Another element of Le Batard’s argument focused on how discussions around individual regular-season games are framed, particularly within a league that plays an 82-game schedule. During the segment, he contended that the show’s tone mirrors a broader perception across the basketball world that the regular season carries diminished weight compared with the postseason.

“The way these guys are talking about even a great regular season game, is absolutely infected by the fact that nobody seems to care about the regular season anymore,” said Le Batard. “There’s nothing that can happen in a regular season game. Unless it’s controversial, that’s going to get anybody talking about the single result. e all know now more than ever, that any single result doesn’t matter. It doesn’t if you’re playing 82 of them or 81 of them, it’s too many.”

Le Batard is not the only critic of how Inside the NBA has performed since moving to ESPN this season. Colin Cowherd speculated earlier this year that ESPN or the NBA is limiting Inside the NBA’s appearances because of its outspoken commentary.

“There were people upstairs in the NBA office that didn’t like how they lampooned the league, and some of the players,” said Cowherd in January although not specifying any names. “NFL shows don’t make fun of the players. Why are we making fun of the players? I heard that before.”

The debate over how the NBA should be covered has become increasingly prominent as the league prepares for its next media era, and Le Batard’s remarks highlight an ongoing tension between nostalgia for past styles of play and the evolution of the modern game.

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